BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions
Turning In A Pet
SURRENDERING A PET TO BARC
BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions is Houston’s municipal animal shelter. If you're considering surrendering a pet, we ask that you please review all other possible options first, as the shelter should be a last resort.
We understand that life can bring unexpected changes, and giving up a pet can be a difficult decision. Pets are family, and with some guidance and resources, you may be able to find a solution that allows your pet to stay in their home or be safely rehomed without entering the shelter system.
Due to the sustained demand for animal intake services, BARC has updated its intake schedule effective May 16, 2026. These changes are intended to expand intake opportunities for Houston residents while helping the shelter responsibly manage capacity and continue providing critical public safety and animal care services.
BARC INTAKE REQUIREMENTS
- Houston Residents Only: BARC accepts pet surrenders only from residents of Houston city limits. If you live outside the city, we’ll do our best to connect you with the appropriate agency or shelter in your area. Note: your address may read “Houston,” yet still be outside city jurisdiction. To verify if you’re within city limits, check that your water utility bill is from the City of Houston or visit the Who Is My Council Member web page.
- Proof of Address: Please bring a valid Texas ID or state-issued ID along with a recent utility bill showing your current Houston address. This ensures we’re able to provide services specifically for our Houston community.
- Each household may bring ONE pet per week through either the appointment system or open intake process. Litters under four months of age, or a mother with her litter, count as one intake.
MAKING AN APPOINTMENT TO SURRENDER A PET
To help manage shelter capacity and provide the best possible care for animals already in the shelter, most owned pet surrenders require an appointment.
Separate appointments are required for each individual animal needing surrender unless surrendering a litter or a mother with her litter.
How to Book: Appointment availability opens 14 days in advance, and new appointment slots are added daily. We encourage residents to check the scheduling system regularly for the soonest available opening.
Sick or Injured Pets: If your pet or a stray animal is sick or injured, no appointment is required. These animals should be brought to BARC immediately so they can receive urgent medical attention.
FOUND A STRAY PET?
Thank you for caring about animals in our community. Before bringing a healthy stray animal to BARC, we encourage residents to first try reuniting the pet directly with their owner. Many lost pets are found close to home and can often be reunited quickly through neighborhood groups, flyers, vet clinics, and lost pet websites.
Before Bringing a Healthy Stray to BARC
If Possible:
- Check for tags or identification
- Have the pet scanned for a microchip
- Post in local lost-and-found pet groups
- Temporarily hold the pet safely while searching for the owner
Intake for Stray Pets
BARC offers limited open intake opportunities for Houston residents bringing in stray animals found within city limits.
Open intake is first-come, first-served and may close once shelter capacity has been reached. Residents are encouraged to arrive early, as people may begin lining up before intake hours begin.
| Day | Intake Availability |
|---|---|
| Sunday | Appointment Only |
| Monday | Open Intake for Strays: Dogs & Cats only, 1PM - 3PM |
| Tuesday | CLOSED for Intake |
| Wednesday | Appointment Only |
| Thursday | CLOSED for Intake |
| Friday | Open Intake for Strays: Cats Only, 1PM - 3PM |
| Saturday | Appointment Only |
Important Open Intake Information
- Open intake is available for Houston residents only.
- Intake takes place at 2700 Evella St., Houston, TX 77026.
- Intake availability may be impacted by shelter capacity, city holidays, emergencies, or other circumstances beyond BARC’s control.
- Notifications regarding temporary intake closures will be shared as soon as possible when they occur.
- Residents may line up before intake hours begin.
- Open intake is limited to ONE pet per vehicle/household unless surrendering a litter under four months old.
Owned pets will be redirected to the appointment scheduling system, as open intake is intended for stray animals only.
BARC Information
Houston, TX 77026
Call 3-1-1 for more information
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